Elizabeth Grey 1582-1651

K.30.22. A choice manual of rare and select secrets in physick and chirurgery collected, and practised by the Right Honorable, the Countesse of Kent (1653)

This collection of medical recipes was published after Grey’s death, and was actually compiled by W. I. gent. Ours is one of the later editions, having appended to it the item A True Gentlewomans Delight, Wherein is Contained All Manner of Cookery. It is doubted that the book was in fact written by Elizabeth, but there is evidence that she owned what is considered to be one of the largest libraries of an English woman of that period (Royal College of Physicians), and was interested in the study of medical and botanical works.

This book was issued by one notable woman printer, Gertrude Dawson, who issued at least seven editions of it. Her name appears variously as G.D., Gurt Dawson and Gartrude Dawson.

Browse the contents pages to find remedies for the “Bone-Ach”, and a “Jelly of frogs, for a red face”. From the cookery section you can discover how “To pickle cowcumbers” or “To make bonny clutter” (the latter appears to be some form of junket).